Betty Lou Nakata, of Leavenworth, Kansas was born the fifth of six children on April 4, 1928 in Leavenworth, Kansas to Ethel C. (Tate) and Edgar C Dickson. At 95 years young she passed February 17, 2024 at Twin Oaks Assisted Living where she was a resident for nearly five years. She met her soulmate at the local skating rink, George M. Nakata a young soldier stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, and they were married for just shy of fifty years till his passing in 1993. They shared a wonderful life with the benefit to travel and vacation extensively throughout their marriage to most every US State, explored the many sites of different countries during their trip around the World, and also enjoyed seventeen visits to
Japan. From their union three children were born David, Kathy and Michael. Both Betty Lou and George were very active participants in their children's lives and many activities including Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts just to name a few. They were also members of the First United Methodist Church.
Growing up Betty Lou attended Leavenworth Schools, and many years after raising her children she attended the St. Mary's outreach program earning her GED with many honors. Through the years she impacted the lives of many children and adults with her kindness, warm heart and giving personality.
Betty was employed at Montgomery Wards before working many years at Bakers Department store managing the toy department until the store closed after it was extensively damaged by fire. She then continued a career and retired from First National Bank's bookkeeping department after years of service.
She enjoyed life and was very social throughout her years as a participating member and officer in several organizations to include ABWA, the YWCA, the Women's Eagles Division, Jeanette Alison's Rainbow Express travel club, The Heritage Center and various organizations where she enjoyed playing Farkle, Bunco, and Mexican Train along with many other card and board games. Where you saw her she was generally accompanied by her best friend- sister Dixie Dickson.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ethel and Edgar Dickson, husband George Nakata, son Michael Nakata & daughter-in-law Deborah Nakata, great-granddaughter Alicia (Lecy) Fowler, brothers Billy (T) Dickson, Ralph (Pete) Dickson, Edwin (Buzz) Dickson, sisters Nadine (Nene) Burke & Dixie Dickson along with all the sister & brother-in laws. She is survived by son David (Shari) Nakata, daughter Kathy Hiatt, grandsons Shawn A. Hiatt & Greg (Mandi) Nakata, granddaughters, Angela Nakata & Natasha Dawson, great grandsons Shawn M. Hiatt, Haydn Norris, Gregory (Keisha) Fowler, great- granddaughter Amber Dawson, great/great grandsons Brandon, Ethan & Lucas Fowler. Plus numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many extended family members all of who she loved dearly.
Betty Lou would've celebrated her 96th birthday. A "Celebration of Life" to honor her memory will be held at the Leavenworth Heritage Center at 109 Delaware St. Leavenworth, KS on Sunday, April 7th from 2:00-4:00.
In lieu of flowers, contributions or memorials can be made to "The Heritage Center" or "Hope Inc. Animal Rescue" through Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee Street, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048.
A private interment will be held at the Leavenworth National VA Cemetery.